BASF acquires extrusion technology from B.C. Foam: PET foams for the wind energy sector

BASF expands portfolio for wind power Strengthened competence for automotive, aeronautics and shipbuilding industriesBASF has purchased the PET foam business of the Italian company B.C. Foam S.p.A., headquartered in Volpiano. The companies have agreed not to disclose the purchase price for the transaction. The acquisition includes production facilities and intellectual property rights, as well as a special extrusion process which enables the production of high-performance PET foams with very high densities.“By expanding our portfolio of sophisticated structural foams, this acquisition will enable BASF to further strengthen its position as a leading foam provider. These PET foams are primarily used in wind turbine rotor blades and will extend our product range for the growing global wind energy market,” explained Dr. Wolfgang Hapke, president of BASF’s Performance Polymers division.PET foams are both temperature- and chemical-resistant. As well as being used in the wind energy sector, high quality PET foam boards are employed in lightweight composite materials that are particularly well-suited for applications in the automotive and aeronautics industries, as well as in shipbuilding.“The development of specific system solutions and new types of materials plays a decisive role in bringing forward sustainable energy generation. We will benefit from the expertise and synergies resulting from the acquisition of extrusion technology from B.C. Foam,” said Dr. Christian Fischer, president of Advanced Materials & Systems Research at BASF.About B.C. Foam S.p.A.This Italian company with 12 employees and headquarters in Volpiano near Turin was established in 1999 and is a provider of PET foams, the associated plant technology, and PET films.BASF for wind energyBASF supports the development of wind power as a climate-friendly source of energy in the energy mix. BASF’s portfolio for wind power applications comprises epoxy and coating systems, foams, special grouting mortars and concrete additives as well as lubricants. The innovative solutions from BASF facilitate more efficient manufacturing, coating and maintenance of rotor blades, foundations, towers and gearboxes of wind turbines. In this way BASF helps to make wind turbines more profitable and more durable. BASF continually develops and improves its wind power portfolio in close cooperation with its customers.More on products for the wind energy industry at: www.windenergy.basf.com